11 Belgian festivals not to miss this summer

Belgium is one of the best European countries for music festivals, boasting stellar line-ups of some of the world’s biggest artists. With dozens of major festivals to chose from between June and August, we have compiled a list of some of the ones not to miss out on if you are travelling to Belgium this summer.

1. Rock Werchter

What? Rock Werchter is one of Belgium’s biggest festivals of rock and indie music, attracting around 150,000 festival goers over 4 days of music. Last years’ edition was crowned ‘Best Major Festival 2016’ by the European Festival Awards.

2. Tomorrowland

What? Since its beginning in 2005, Tomorrowland has grown to be the biggest and one of the most commercially successful electronic music festivals worldwide. The festival is so popular that is has been extended over 2 weekends. Chartered Tomorrowland planes bring people from every corner of the globe to witness top DJ’s and artists at one of the most colourful and visually appealing events music has to offer.

4. Dour

What? Dour is the biggest festival in Wallonia, the French speaking region of the country. The previous edition welcomed 225,000 festival goers. The festival prides itself on having an extensive line-up of electro, drum & bass and rap music although there is a stage for rock and punk music. It is certainly one for the party and rave lovers.

5. Les Ardentes

What? Les Ardentes is one of the country’s more diverse festivals, featuring artists from all genres of mainstream music. The festival takes place in the green surroundings of Astrid Park, in the city of Liege.

6. Pukkelpop

What? Pukkelpop, like Rock Werchter, offers an impressive line-up of indie, rock and dance artists but also prides itself on finding the best up-and-coming artists. If you are going,don’t forget the famous Boiler Party night on the eve of the festival. Many fans arrive at the campsite on Wednesday and get in the festival mood with guest DJ’s playing a variety of music during the 9 hour party.

7. Graspop Metal Meeting

What? One for the headbanging and mosh-pit enthusiasts. Graspop Metal Meeting is the festival for metal, hard rock and punk music. Don’t let the fact that it is a metal festival scare you, it has a reputation of being one of the friendliest festivals in Belgium.

8. Lokerse Feesten

What? Lokerse Feesten is a 10 day music festival held across 2 stages. Each night, a headline act is supported by similar artists to create a 10 day line-up that is appealing for all. Due to its rather small capacity the 15,000 tickets sell fast, so don’t wait too long before buying!

9. Dranouter

What? Dranouter began as a folk festival but has recently added more variety to its line-up. Even though you see more mainstream artists there these days, the atmosphere hasn’t changed much. Dranouter is the perfect festival for children due to its friendly and laid-back style. Although very popular, there is always plenty of room around the site to sit and enjoy the bands as well as the green scenery of the local countryside.

10. Cactus Festival

What? Cactus Festival is held in the medieval city of Bruges in the lovely surroundings of the city’s Minnewaterpark. The festival is one of the most accessible for tourists, due to it being a short walking distance from the city centre. Expect to see a combination of rock, indie and pop artists on the line-up.

11. Ronquières Festival

What? Ronquières Festival offers one of the most bizarre locations for a festival site, situated alongside a canal with the water separating the campsite from the festival area. The canal has an inclined plane, a sort of lift that carries boats 67 metres up the steep hill, a weird site to see when at a music festival. Ronquières offers more local talent than international artists, so expect to see a high percentage of French-speaking artists on the bill.